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These Cherry Overnight Oats soak oats and chia seeds in a tart, creamy cherry milk. Refreshing, filling, and easy to make ahead of time, they’re a summer meal prep game changer! Vegan; Gluten-Free and Nut-Free Options.
Grab the mason jars, pit some cherries (or use frozen!), and whip up these Easy Cherry Overnight Oats. Oats, chia seeds, and cherries are soaked overnight in a blended cherry “milk,” leaving you with a tart, sweet, and creamy breakfast to enjoy the next morning. The ultimate make-ahead breakfast for summer!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Recipe 🍒
- The Best Make-Ahead Breakfast: I’m reaching for these oats all summer long! They’re quick and easy to make days in advance.
- Cherry Milk! Blending cherries with non-dairy milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract takes the creaminess and cherry flavors in these oats over the top.
- Customize It: Make chocolate cherry oats, add protein powder, or swap the chia seeds for flax to make this recipe your own.
These creamy Cherry Overnight Oats basically turn my Cherry Almond Twist into a quick and easy make-ahead breakfast. A cherry “milk” with a dash of almond extract and vanilla is combined with oats, chia seeds, and more cherries to make each bite of soaked oats decadent and delicious! I love making a few jars on the weekend for my breakfast meal prep.
What You Need for Cherry Overnight Oats
This recipe calls for most of the ingredients found in my other overnight oats recipes, but makes cherries the star. These are the key items you’ll need:
- Cherries: of course! Both fresh and frozen pitted cherries will work here. If you opt for fresh cherries, pick them when they’re in season during late summer.
- Milk: the thicker and creamier your plant milk is, the more decadent your oats will be. I recommend using cashew, oat, or soy milk.
- Oats: you can use old-fashioned rolled oats, quick-cooking oats, or a 50-50 mix of each.
- Chia Seeds: they thicken the oat mixture and pack every bite with lots of fiber and healthy fats.
How to Make Cherry Overnight Oats
- Add the cherries, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, and salt to a blender. Blend until the cherry “milk” is smooth.
- Stir the oats and chia seeds together in a large bowl. Pour in the cherry milk, add the chopped cherries, and stir to combine.
- Set the oatmeal aside for 5 minutes, then stir again.
- Divide the oatmeal mixture between jars and store them in the fridge for later.
Caitlin’s Cooking Tips
- Stir, then stir again. I always recommend stirring the oatmeal mixture together twice: (1) when the oats, chia seeds, cherries, and cherry milk are combined; and (2) again after soaking for 5 minutes. This always prevents the chia seeds from clumping together.
- The secret to the creamiest overnight oats: First, use a creamy plant milk, like full-fat oat milk, cashew milk, or soy milk. Or, you could use 1 3/4 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of dairy-free yogurt to make the oats even more indulgent. Lastly, use a 50-50 mix of rolled oats and quick oats for the best chewy-soft texture.
- Don’t like the texture of chia seeds? Blend them with the cherry milk ingredients! There will still be small flecks of chia, but you’ll hardly notice them. Best of all, you won’t miss out on any of the benefits of the whole seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan overnight oats are already one of my favorite breakfasts, but I always reach for these cherry oats during summer. The plant protein, fiber, and healthy fats in one jar keep me full all morning, not to mention the tart cherry flavors are oh-so satisfying.
The oats are delicious served as-is or with fun toppings! I love adding a swirl of nut butter, a sprinkle of hemp hearts, chopped almonds, dairy-free chocolate chips, and extra chopped cherries on top. And when I really want to be fancy, I’ll opt for a dollop of vegan whipped cream and this fresh Chia Seed Jam.
If you’re looking for more easy overnight oat recipes with berries, you’ll also love these Raspberry Overnight Oats, these Blueberry Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds, and these Easy Strawberry Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds and Yogurt!
How to Store Overnight Oats
You can store cherry overnight oats in sealed mason jars or airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to soak mine overnight to get the creamiest results. They’re so good for breakfast the next morning!
Personally, I’ve never frozen overnight oats, but I’m sure it will work. Just thaw the oats overnight in the fridge, then stir them really well before serving the next day.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Remember that not all oats are inherently gluten-free! You’ll need to use certified gluten-free oats to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Nut-Free Option: Just omit the almond extract to keep this recipe nut-free.
- Chia Seed Substitute: An equal amount of ground flaxseed is a great substitute.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Blend 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with the cherry milk ingredients to make chocolate cherry overnight oats.
- Optional Protein Powder: You can give these oats a protein boost by stirring 1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder with the oats and chia seeds. I recommend adding an additional 2 tablespoons of plant milk and omitting the maple syrup if your protein powder is already sweetened.
Recipe FAQs
I prefer them served chilled, but warm cherry oats should be good, too. You can warm them in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove with a splash of milk until they’re heated through.
I recommend letting the oatmeal soak for at least 4 hours before serving.
Yes, it’s okay if you replace or combine the cherries with another fresh or frozen berry, like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
I made this recipe with dark sweet cherries, but you can also use tart cherries! Just add a little extra sweetener to taste, as needed.
Enjoy! If you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @FromMyBowl + #FromMyBowl! I would also love it if you could leave a comment below with a recipe rating! Thank you for the support 😊
Easy Cherry Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds
Ingredients
For the Cherry “Milk”:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 2 cups creamy non-dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons grade A maple syrup plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate cherry oats*
For the Oatmeal:
- 2 cups quick-cooking or rolled oats*
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or sub ground flaxseed
- 1 cup pitted cherries roughly chopped (optional)
- Topping suggestions: nut butter hemp hearts, almonds, etc.
Instructions
- Make the Cherry “Milk”: Add the cherries to a high-speed blender along with the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract (if using), and salt. Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds, until the berries are finely blended into the milk.
- Mix: Add the oats and chia seeds to a large bowl and mix well. Pour the milk into the bowl, then add the chopped cherries and stir until everything is combined. Let sit for at least 5 minutes, to allow the oats and chia seeds to absorb some of the liquid. Then, mix again to incorporate the extra liquid sitting on top.
- Store & Serve: Transfer the oatmeal to jars or other containers, then store in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Top as desired and enjoy cold or warm; leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- Non-dairy Milk: I recommend using a thick and creamy milk, like cashew, oat, or soy milk.
- Protein Powder: For a protein boost, add 1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to the dry ingredients along with the oats. Add an additional 2 tablespoons of plant milk, and omit the sweetener if your protein powder is sweetened.
